The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is over. It often means make or break for the year especially during recent economically stressed times. Whether you are in the black or not, we all want to have increases in 2011.
A friend of mine is opening a new business and it started me thinking. We all get very comfortable with the business we have, but what if we looked at our own business like we were about to purchase it? Why would we buy it? What are the assets? What would we change to improve the business?
Challenge yourself to look through the eyes of a potential new business owner for this new business year. Consult at least one other person with your business for candid feedback.
Explore New Product. Consider alternative metals to current inventory.
Explore New Customers. Focus on Millennials with first time fashion silver or bridal purchases.
Buy into a New Designer line. Promote Branded or new local talent jewelry line.
Hire a New Recruit. Hire the home run sales associate, jeweler or gemologist.
Explore new Staff Training. Consider on-line training, GIA, AGS or DCA for appropriate associates.
Create a New Environment. Paint one area a new color or rearrange for new store ambiance.
Consider a New Marketing Approach. Put an associate in charge of Green Initiatives and giving back to the community and let the community know what you are doing.
Continue Social Media. Whether you are on Facebook, Tweeting, or any or the other various social media avenues, stay on top of what is new and effective.
Visit other Fine Jewelry Stores in your area and note what they do really well. And put thought into what you can do to enhance the customer’s experience in your store.
Did you find there is something you can enhance that will make a difference to your business? We would love to hear from you. Whether you embraced a target idea to focus on during the year or if you used a suggestion and made it work for your business,
Have a Wonderful New 2011 Year!
Suzan Alexander Weir is a Graduate Gemologist, GIA, DCA Graduate and has a BFA in Metal Design. Her career includes corporate training and development for jewelry industry leaders developing and delivering sales, product and trend materials. Suzan is the owner and designer for Alexander-Weir Designs, LLC and can be contacted at saweir1@comcast.net.
